Mandolin Master Class (book/CD)

Published by Mando University
All exercises and examples are written in tablature
No standard music notation

Learn to improvise! Understand the important concepts:
 • basic practical music theory
 • use of the major scale
 • use of the pentatonic scale
 • how to "fake" a solo with no wrong notes
 • how to navigate the fingerboard using "triangulation"
 • how to use the Circle of 5ths
 • how to use the "number system" for chord progressions
 • how to construct scales and chords
 • how to practice effectively
 • how to decide "what to play."


Theory section has 6 self-tests (with answers) to be sure you understand the material. Oriented towards bluegrass but useful for all mandolin styles.

The 11 included MP3 Audio Tracks contain chord backup tracks for practicing what you learn, "test driving" your improvisation over various chord progressions, ear training exercises, and even a multi-speed metronome.